6 Healthy Ways to Lose Excess Weight in the Golden Years

By Larry Levine, 9:00 am on March 9, 2018

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Obesity is linked to a variety of health conditions, including heart attacks, stroke, dementia, and diabetes, so it is important for seniors to maintain a healthy weight. Slowing metabolism, a lack of mobility, and less energy can all combine to make it challenging for a senior to lose weight. Here are a few tips to help your aging loved one reach a healthy weight.

1. Avoid Drinking Liquid Calories

Many seniors do not realize they are consuming hundreds of calories each day from what they drink. Sugary sodas, fruit juices, and coffees can contain a surprisingly high amount of calories. If possible, your loved one should switch to plain water, which has zero calories. Those who dislike the taste of plain water can try adding herbal teas or low-calorie flavor packets to their drinks.

Obesity often indicates the onset of an underlying health condition. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a home care provider Wellesley, Massachusetts, families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.

2. Lift Weights

Weight training can help your loved one build muscle strength. Seniors can increase their resting metabolism by lifting weights and building muscle, which means they can burn more calories each day without having to go for long runs.

3. Eat More Produce

Seniors who need to lose weight should consider increasing their fruit and vegetable intake. Most fruits and vegetables are low in calories, so your loved one can eat a massive portion without consuming too many calories. For example, three bananas have the same calorie amount as a single cookie. Produce is also full of fiber, which can keep your loved one feeling full between meals.

Make sure your senior loved one eats healthy foods each day by hiring a professional caregiver to cook nutritious meals. In Wellesley, Massachusetts, home care agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Home Care Assistance, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. We offer a revolutionary program called the Balanced Care Method, which encourages seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy.

4. Cut Back on Carbs

Low-carb diets are a craze in the weight loss community right now, and there is some underlying truth to this dieting fad. Carbohydrates contain a lot of sugar, so it is a good idea for seniors to cut them out. Eating protein instead of carbohydrates can reduce cravings.

5. Find Healthier Ways to Pass the Time

A lot of people overeat when they are feeling bored, frustrated, or depressed. If your loved one is craving food even when he or she is not hungry, the underlying cause of the obesity may be more than overeating. It may be helpful to find activities that don’t involve eating. Fun options include reading, participating in online chats, going for a walk, or taking a bath.

6. Monitor Calories Carefully

One of the most effective methods for weight loss will be to calculate your loved one’s total daily energy expenditure, then use a calorie tracker like MyFitnessPal to ensure he or she eats less calories than his or her body burns.

If your loved one needs encouragement to eat nutritious foods and focus on other healthy lifestyle factors, consider hiring a professional caregiver. A Wellesley caregiver can help your elderly loved one manage his or her health in a variety of ways. If your loved one needs encouragement to exercise more often, eat healthier foods, or socialize on a regular basis, an in-home caregiver can address these and many other health-related concerns. To create a customized in-home care plan for your aging loved one, call Home Care Assistance at (781) 239-0060 today.